So how did this slip under CNN’s radar? Maybe CNN could have checked its own website. Instead, they paid for Kerr’s airfare and hotel to St. Petersburg for the debate.

This is a red-meat smorgasbord for the conservative blogosphere and media circles for whom CNN stands for Clinton News Network. Especially since it is the second time the Clinton campaign has been connected to a planted question/questioner recently. MSNBC’s Joe scarborough said “It is total crap to suggest that nobody at CNN knew” that was on a Clintonista. Hugh Hewitt said it was “premeditated mediocrity.” And on his radio show Thursday, Hewitt even got Tom Brokaw (he’s pushing a new book) to pile on his mainstream media bros.

The General wasn’t the only YouTuber who’s getting nicked for their partisan leanings. Remember Journey, who asked Sen. Fred Thompson and Rep. Ron Paul a question about abortion. After hearing their response, she posted HER response on her blog — wearing a “John Edwards ’08″ T-shirt.

Let’s get the ground rules straight here. Granted, it’s not cool to allow campaign advisors like Kerr to get the mic. (Nor was it cool for CNN to give airtime to Grover Norquist, the ultimate insider.) But what’s wrong with somebody who has chosen a side to ask a question?

Your thoughts on the ground rules for these user-generated debates/forums?

And plants aside, what did you think of the responses to Kerr’s question?